By David Krenz

Austin Superintendent

“One looks back with appreciation to the brilliant teachers, but with gratitude to those who touched our human feelings. The curriculum is so much necessary raw material, but warmth is the vital element for the growing plant and for the soul of the child.” — Carl Jung

As we celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week, May 7 – 13, 2017, we honor the dedication, passion and caring nature of teachers.  America’s public school teachers equip our students with many skills. They teach them how to read, to do math, history, science, how to solve problems, resolve conflicts and cooperate with each other. They are there to support each and every student, every day. They want each student to reach their full potential.

As this school year starts to wind down, take time to thank a teacher or staff member who has made a difference in your child’s life. A note or phone call letting someone know they have made a difference does not go unnoticed and is greatly appreciated.

In addition to our recognizing our teachers, this week we also held a banquet honoring our high distinction students. To graduate with high distinction honors, a student must earn a cumulative unweighted grade point average of 3.9 or above.

The high distinction students from the Class of 2017 include Miranda Bergemann, daughter of Doug and Joann Bergemann; Trenton Brown, son of Tom and Lynelle Brown; Sydney Conway, daughter of Bill and Sue Conway; Nora Curtis, daughter of Maren and Randal Curtis; Livia Dyke, daughter of Nathan and Sheree Dyke; Madison Klein, daughter of Randy and Angie Klein; Christine Nelson, daughter of Shelli and Argie Nelson; Jekap Omod, son of Ojulu Oboya and Okonyjwok Otwo; Brooke Pazurek, daughter of Angie and Will Pazurek; Paige Raymond, daughter of Mark and Stacy Raymond; Kaitlyn Schammel, daughter of Kevin and Sara Schammel and Grace Thoen, daughter of Theresa and Greg Thoen.

In addition to our recognition of these students, each student also recognized a teacher who has had a positive influence on their education. It was a wonderful celebration of academics and those important connections that help contribute to student success.